Court revokes Nyandoro's appointment as Chief Land Registrar

Court revokes appointment of David Nyandoro as Chief Land Registrar. [Standard, File]

A court has revoked the appointment of David Nyambaso Nyandoro as the Chief Land Registrar.

Employment and Labour Relations Court judge Byram Ongaya's ruling has reinstated Peter Mburu Ng'ang'a who had initially been appointed to the position by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Mburu was serving as the deputy Chief Land Registrar.

At the same time judge Ongaya barred Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and her Principal Secretary Nixon Korir from interfering with Mburu's work.

In a letter dated November 17, 2023, Korir had according to the judgement purportedly appointed Nyandoro as the Chief Land Registrar instead of Mburu.

"An order of permanent injunction is hereby issued to restrain the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary or their agents from subjecting Mburu to unfair labour practices," said Justice Ongaya.

He argued that the appointment of Nyandoro instead of Ng'ang'a had undermined the function of PSC. The judge also nullified the letter from Korir appointing Nyandoro on the ground that all processes involved in his appointment were illegal.

The judgement indicated that the vacancy of Chief Land Registrar was advertised on March 28, 2023, and nine persons were shortlisted for interviews.

They were Nyambaso, Mburu, Mucheke Zubeda Yusuf, Maina Chelimo Sarah, Ngetich Charles Kipkirui, Obare Fedson Nyagaka, Leitich Bernard Kipkemboi, Ketyenya Clarah Chemutai and Nyangau Thomas Morara.

Upon conclusion of interviews, PSC on September 23, 2023, appointed Mburu as the next Chief Land Registrar but an activist went to court on account that Mburu had integrity issues.

The court directed PS Korir to convey the PSC decision to Mburu that he was the substantive Chief Land Registrar, and that the work he had done before being pushed aside was valid.